diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 53ac840f02..008f02075f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -27,19 +27,26 @@ This repository is a v3 of the SSW.Website. This website uses NextJS with TinaCM
 
 ## Requirements
 
-- Git, [Node.js Active LTS](https://nodejs.org/en/about/releases/)
+- Git, and the Node.js version pinned in [`.nvmrc`](.nvmrc) (currently v24.13.1). `nvm use` picks it up automatically.
 - pnpm `corepack enable pnpm`
 - A [TinaCMS](https://app.tina.io) account for live editing.
 
 ## Get Started
 
+Select the pinned Node version and enable pnpm. Both are one-off, and Corepack ships with Node:
+
+```bash
+nvm use
+corepack enable pnpm
+```
+
 Install the project's dependencies:
 
 ```bash
 pnpm install
 ```
 
-Run the project locally:
+Run the project locally. This starts Next.js and the local TinaCMS server together, which is why there are two ports below:
 
 ```bash
 pnpm dev
@@ -51,7 +58,9 @@ Build the project:
 pnpm build
 ```
 
-## Build the Docker image locally:
+## Build the Docker image locally (optional)
+
+Docker is not required for day-to-day development. `pnpm dev` above is usually the quicker path, and is easier to debug. Build the image when you need to reproduce the deployed container, for example to chase a build or runtime problem that only shows up there.
 
 To build the Docker image, execute the following command to extract the necessary Docker build command: